Family Haulers: Chevy Blazer vs Ford Edge
The Chevrolet Blazer stands as a formidable contender in the midsize SUV category. It traces its lineage to the midsized S10 Blazers of the ‘80s and ‘90s, but unlike its truck-based ancestors, the modern Blazer is a crossover. With two rows of seating for five people, it contends for the buying loyalty of families in the highly competitive midsize crossover segment while leveraging Chevy’s historic expertise in 4x4s. Plus, it does all this while sporting a style inspired by its Camaro cousin.
Like the Blazer, the Ford Edge is a stylish two-row five-seater crossover SUV. Ford positions the Edge as a stylish, street-focused vehicle rather than a serious off-roader, but like the Blazer, it also has some off-road prowess. So, in the battle of the 2024 Chevy Blazer vs 2024 Ford Edge, which crossover comes out as the champ?
Meet the Contenders
As mentioned, the Blazer’s design is influenced by its Camaro sibling, showcasing a blend of style and performance. While it might not be the first choice for extreme off-roading, its optional all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration ensures reliable performance on slippery surfaces and mild off-road trails. Prices range from $35,400 for the base 2LT trim to $44,195 for the Premier trim.[a]
A 2023 refresh introduced subtle yet impactful changes, enhancing the Blazer’s aesthetic appeal with a sleek profile, pronounced fenders, large wheels, and a Camaro-esque front facade. Exterior styling changes are minimal for 2024, limited mainly to a new Riptide Blue Metallic paint option. Powering the Blazer is a standard 2.0-liter, 228-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offering a perfect balance of power and efficiency. For those seeking more vigor, a 3.8-liter, 308-hp V6 is available on most trims and is standard on the RS trim.
All variants come with a nine-speed automatic transmission and multiple drive modes like snow/ice, tour, sport, and tow/haul, providing versatility for different driving conditions. The Blazer RS, which is aimed at performance enthusiasts, features an advanced twin-clutch AWD system that intelligently distributes torque for optimal traction.
The Blazer is also available in two special editions, both available on the 2LT and 3LT trims. The Redline Edition adds 20-inch gloss black aluminum wheels, black accents on the grille, mirrors, door handles, and badging, and special white or black paint. The Midnight/Sport Edition comes in a Darth Vader-esque all-black appearance with 18-inch wheels.
The Ford Edge also offers bold styling, though perhaps more understated than the Blazer’s, as more of a sport coat compared to the Blazer’s leather racing jacket, metaphorically speaking. All-wheel drive is standard on all of the Edge’s trim levels. Prices range from $38,365 for the base SE to $47,205 for the top-of-the-line ST trim level.[a]
Like the Blazer, the Edge offers a choice of two engines. The 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder serves as the base powerplant. Like the four-cylinder in the Blazer, this engine also delivers turbocharged power for a blend of performance and efficiency. Optionally, buyers can choose the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, which is also standard on the ST trim. This V6 generates 335 hp.
Capabilities
For families who enjoy outdoor adventures, the Blazer offers impressive towing capabilities: 1,500 lbs with the four-cylinder engine and 4,500 lbs with the V6 and a trailering package, which is ideal for transporting snowmobiles, jet skis, or a small sailboat. Its Drive Mode Selector includes a Tow/Haul setting to make towing easier and safer. Its practicality extends to its spacious 64.2 cu.ft. cargo area, enhanced by 60/40 split-folding rear seats, an optional hands-free tailgate, and roof rails that further augment this model’s utility.
The Edge is available with trailering features as well, but its tow rating tops out at 3,500 lbs with the optional V6. Like the Blazer, it offers towing features like trailer sway control to improve the trailering experience. But at 3,500 lbs versus the Blazer’s 4,500-lb capacity, the Edge ultimately isn’t as capable of serious hauling. Here, the advantage goes to the Blazer.
Safety Features
The Blazer shines in safety, which is the paramount concern for parents. It includes seven airbags, a rearview camera, and a rear seat reminder, ensuring the well-being of young passengers. Chevy’s Teen Driver mode is a boon for parents, fostering safe driving habits in adolescents by providing a report card for parents, activating certain safety features, and muting the radio until seatbelts are fastened.
Additionally, Chevy Safety Assist—which is standard across the Chevy lineup—encompasses features like Forward Collision Alert with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Front Pedestrian Braking, Following Distance Indicator, IntelliBeam High Beam Assist, Side Blind Zone Alert, and Adaptive Cruise Control. OnStar services provide round-the-clock assistance for emergencies.
Ford calls its safety system Co-Pilot360, and—like the Chevy suite—its system provides Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System with Blind Spot Assist and Road Edge Detection, Rear View Camera, Auto High Beams, and Adaptive Cruise Control. One thing that’s noticeably missing from Ford’s safety list is the Teen Driver mode found on the Chevy. Both SUVs offer similar safety suites, but for families with kids approaching driving age, the Teen Driver mode may give the advantage to the Blazer.
Cabin Tech
Connectivity is key in the modern Blazer, featuring an optional Wi-Fi hotspot, voice control, an HD touchscreen, and in-vehicle apps. The myChevrolet mobile app offers remote access to various features. The stylish interior—inspired by the Camaro—includes a panoramic sunroof, a 10.2-inch HD color touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and an optional wireless charging pad, ensuring comfort and convenience for the entire family.
Ford calls its connectivity suite SYNC 4A. It centers around a 12.0-inch LCD touchscreen. This system also offers cloud-based connectivity and smartphone sync to go along with voice control and wireless charging. Ford’s Power-Up software suite is similar to the myChevrolet app in the Blazer. Overall, families will find that both of these SUVs provide the modern, high-tech conveniences that they’ve come to expect from a family hauler.
The Verdict
Both vehicles offer spacious interiors, plenty of cargo room, and hands-free liftgates to make it easy to do everything from taking the kids to sports practice to hauling gear up to the lake for the weekend. Both have smart all-wheel drive systems in case it starts to snow on the way back from a day of skiing or during the daily commute. The Ford Edge has a slight power advantage, but the Chevy Blazer has a very noticeable lead in the towing department.
Both vehicles offer a full range of safety and technology features that make the driving experience safer and more convenient for modern families. However, Chevy’s Teen Driver mode is a major advantage for families with aspirant drivers. Plus, Chevy’s style sets it apart from other SUVs on the road; the Edge is attractive, but the Blazer understands that having a family doesn’t necessarily mean driving boring, boxy family wagons. Parents will appreciate the Blazer’s style every time they walk up to it in a parking lot.
The 2024 Blazer symbolizes Chevy’s commitment to blending style, performance, and safety, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a dependable and versatile SUV.
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